Sarah Gray
Director of National Programmes and Operations, Tackle Prostate Cancer
Every year, more than 52,000 UK men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Many find themselves having to make life-changing treatment decisions quickly — often without enough information or support, which can be frightening and confusing.
‘Make Sense of It’ is a new pilot project from Tackle Prostate Cancer (Tackle) that aims to change that. The programme puts newly diagnosed men and trans women back in the driver’s seat, helping them feel informed and confident about their treatment choices. Personal advice in navigating treatment options
Through a practical, evidence-informed model, trained Treatment Decision Buddies offer free, one-to-one coaching. They help people understand treatment options and side effects, explore their personal values and priorities and feel supported throughout their journey.
Each Buddy draws on their own lived experience of prostate cancer. Tackle matches individuals with a compatible Buddy — someone of a similar age, background, sexuality or location — who can listen and share information in a non-directive way. The goal is simple: to help each person feel empowered to choose the treatment that’s right for them.
The goal is simple: to help each person feel empowered to choose the treatment that’s right for them.
Removing barriers in access
Over the next three years, ‘Make Sense of It’ will train 30-40 peer coaches and support more than 250 newly diagnosed men and trans women. The pilot is initially running in Yorkshire and the West Midlands, as well as across the UK’s LGBTQIA+ community — areas where people are more likely to face barriers in accessing prostate cancer support.
With further investment, Tackle hopes to expand the project nationally, creating a sustainable model for peer coaching in prostate cancer care.
Get involved. Tackle is looking for:
- Men, trans women and their partners recently diagnosed with prostate cancer (who are based in Yorkshire or the West Midlands)
- Men and trans women across the UK who identify as LGBTQ+
- Volunteer peer coaches with lived experience of prostate cancer (especially from the West Midlands, Yorkshire or LGBTQ+ communities)
- Clinical and community partners who can refer newly diagnosed individuals for support
To find out more, visit Tackle’s website.
